Mezcal Scorpion Joven

Scorpion Joven is the unaged expression of Doug French's Oaxacan mezcal, double distilled and bottled directly without time in wood so the Espadin shows clearly. French learned the trade from a third generation mezcalero in Oaxaca, the home of the category, and also distills the Sierra Norte whiskey there. Each distinctive bottle carries a scorpion exoskeleton, without its sting and not for eating, in place of the usual worm.
Espadin, Agave angustifolia, is the cultivated backbone of Oaxacan mezcal, giving a balanced base of roasted agave, citrus and gentle smoke. The pit roast shows as a campfire ember, the smoke that comes from roasting the agave hearts underground rather than from peat. The nose is dry, with a touch of lime, lemon and salty cucumber over savory herbs, dry leather and smoke, while the palate balances pleasant sweetness and dryness with light citrus, closing on a cozy warmth at 40 percent.